Process for increasing the strength and elasticity of cotton fibers



Patented Jane 18, 1929.

UNITED STATES smear PATENT OFFICE.

MARCEL MELLIAND, OF MAN N HEIM, GERMANY, ASSIGN OR TO MELIANA TION OF AMERICA, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

coneona PROCESS FOR INCREASING THE STRENGTH AND ELASTICITY OF COTTON FIBERS.

No Drawing. Application filed. June 21, 1926, Serial No. 117,643, and in Germany July 2, 1925. Renewed November 28, 1928. 7

Many processes for increasing the strength and elasticity of all kinds of vegetable fibers and products manufactured therefrom are in existence. These consist, however, as a rule of an aftertreatment, and are usually applied when sizing and finishing as well as to curl the fibers or induce their contraction to produce 'a crape effect. In all these processes, however, the eifects secured disappear upon further treatment when bleached, dyed, washed and soon. Also the curling of vegetable fibers to give them a woolly appearance by treat-- ing them with concentrated sulphuric acid. nitric acid, zinc chloride and cuprammonium is Well known, but this application of concentrated acids tends to weaken their fibers.

' It has now been found that the use of strong caustic alkalies as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide in concentrations of from to 125 Be. (about 49 to'100%) 'at atemperature of from to C., or even higher, produces hitherto unknown effects on Vegetable fibers, raising their strength and elasticity, and increasing the curliness. The application of this process varies according -to the nature of the Vegetable fibers to be treated, and according to their origin (Egyptian. Indian, American) and also according to the kind'of fabric. The fiber undergoes a change, and attains quite difier'ent properties, rendering it much more valuable for the industry. After thistreatment with strong caustic alkalies Within the limits described above, the fibers or fabrics can be subjected to any suitable aftertreatment hitherto known, whereby they undergo no further change or only to a very limited extent. This.

behaviour has the advantage that goods which have been treated in this Way, when made up as garments or underwear show no shrinkage when they become wet,'or are washed. The character of goods treated in this way is much improved and more advantageous, renderlng, in most cases, finishing with the usual additions, elasticity'may increase according to the weave and nature of the fabric treated by as much as The crinkling Wool, and the appearance ing to the Weave, more resembles wool, silk, or linen. The lustre is dull and not so striking as with mercerized cotton.

What I claim is: J

1. Process for increasing the strength and elasticity of cotton fibers and for curling the same which comprises treating such fibers with caustic alkalies of at least 50 11%. at a temperature of (SO-100 G. without application of any tension to the fiber.

2. Process for increasing the strength and elasticity of cotton fibers and for curling the same which comprises treating such fibers with sodium hydroxide of at least 50 Be. at a temperature of 60-100 C. without application of any tension to the fiber.

- In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

nascen MELLIAND.

superfluous. Thestrength and resembles that of of fabrlcs, accord- 

